Dear Participant,Thank you for your wonderful contribution to the Thanksgiving Day Creative Celebration. We received outstanding poems, essays, and artwork that exemplify the creativity of New York State’s young people.The submissions received are remarkable in what they represent – showing gratitude and respect for family, friends, our troops fighting overseas, and many other important subjects and activities. I am humbled and honored to see such inspiring contributions in response to what is a deceptively difficult question: “What are you thankful for?”On behalf of the New York State Senate, I would like to offer my wholehearted congratulations to all of the participants in this year’s Thanksgiving Day Creative Celebration. Sincerely,

SYRACUSE, N.Y.—A bipartisan coalition of state, local and community leaders in Syracuse announced a comprehensive effort aimed at curbing the ongoing and serious problem of litter on city highways today.

Syracuse -- State and local police could go after meth-makers buying cold medicine in bulk under a proposed law the New York State Senate passed today.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. David Valesky, D-Oneida, mirrors a federal law that tracks and limits the amount of purchases of cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, an ingredient needed to make methamphetamine.

The New York State Senate passed legislation (S7637) yesterday that will significantly change the way prescription drugs are distributed and monitored in New York State, with the intent of mitigating the growing prescription drug abuse problem.

More than a dozen museums in Central New York will participate in the first ever New York State Museum Week May 31 to June 6, State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida), announced. New York State is celebrating the diversity and richness of its museums by inviting residents and visitors alike to discover the fascinating worlds of art, photography, history, science, pop-culture and more during the inaugural celebration.

State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida), Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, recently introduced legislation to establish a farm-to-senior program to facilitate and promote the purchase of New York farm products by senior centers and other institutions for the aging, such as Social Adult Day Programs, County Area Agencies for the Aging and Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities.

ALBANY, N.Y.--Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) today announced the posthumous induction of Anthony C. "Tony" Nesci, Sr., formerly of Liverpool, into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame in honor of his meritorious service to the nation and his community.

“Tony’s tireless efforts on behalf of veterans in Central New York deserves our gratitude and recognition,” Senator Valesky said. “He will always be remembered for his determination in bringing veterans issues to the forefront and ensuring all veterans be recognized and appreciated for their service.” Valesky said.

Born in Syracuse in 1938, Nesci served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1961. He was stationed in Germany and achieved the rank of Private First Class 3.

Anthony C. “Tony” Nesci, Sr. was born in Syracuse in 1938. A lifelong resident, he graduated from North High School in 1959 and then joined the U.S. Army. He served from 1959-1961, was stationed in Germany and achieved the rank of Private First Class 3. He and his wife, Annette, were married for 45 years and have four children.

Tony was employed by New Process Gear for 43 years, including a position as a peer counselor with the UAW Daimler Chrysler Training Center. He was also a member of the UAW Local 624, serving as CAP and PAC counsel. His greatest legacy, however, is his tireless effort on behalf of veterans in Central New York.

“This is excellent news for Syracuse and Onondaga County. The creation of the Greater Syracuse Property Development Corporation will give us another tool in our arsenal to revitalize our neighborhoods, increase the tax base and spur economic development with the ultimate goal of strengthening the Central New York economy.

State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) named Randi Bregman, Executive Director at Vera House, as the 49th Senate District’s “Woman of Distinction” as part of the New York State Senate’s 15th Annual Women of Distinction celebration.

State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) and the Independent Democratic Conference, flanked by hospital executives from around New York State, released a comprehensive report today calling on the Department of Health to implement immediate reforms to the Doctors Across New York program New York currently uses to lure new doctors to underserved areas, particularly in Upstate and rural New York.

Randi Bregman is the executive director at Vera House, Incorporated, a not-for-profit agency that focuses on serving those affected by domestic and sexual violence. In 1990, she joined the agency as coordinator of the Syracuse-Area Domestic Violence Coalition. Since 2001, Ms. Bregman has served as executive director, with responsibility for administration and financial management, supervision of staff , fundraising and fund development, community education, and professional training and program development.